3DXTech ThermaX TPI Ultra-High-Temp Thermoplastic Polyimide, Made Using SABIC Extem™
Ultra-High-Temp Thermoplastic Polyimide, Made Using SABIC Extem™
A USA-made thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) compounded from SABIC’s Extem™ resin — think of it as a higher-heat version of Ultem™ 1010 PEI, with a 247°C glass transition, a 237°C heat-deflection temperature, and up to 50% higher strength than Ultem 1010 at temperatures above 170°C. Inherently flame retardant (UL 94 V-0) with broad chemical resistance, for the most demanding aerospace, automotive, and industrial parts. Full specifications →
Made in the USA — ships from Rev1 on a 500 g reel. Need a print profile, a larger quantity, or help qualifying TPI for your application? Call (248) 707-2950.
USA-made polyimide, with a real datasheet behind it.
3DXTech compounds ThermaX TPI from SABIC’s Extem™ polyimide resin in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at its 68,000 sq ft ISO 9001:2015-certified facility, with a published property chart — no mystery ultra-polymer. Rev1 Technologies is your authorized 3DXTech reseller and US support partner, Auburn Hills, Michigan.
A higher-heat polyimide for parts that see extreme temperatures.
ThermaX TPI is a thermoplastic polyimide compounded from SABIC’s Extem™ resin and formulated specifically for FFF/FDM 3D printing. Like Ultem™ 1010 PEI, it is an amorphous polyimide with excellent high-heat resistance, strength, and chemical resistance — but it goes further: TPI keeps its mechanical properties in the 170–230°C range where PEI begins to fade, delivering up to 50% higher strength than Ultem 1010 at those elevated temperatures. When you need the best performance in the most challenging thermal environments — and PEEK or PEKK is overkill on cost — TPI is a top contender.
Print end-use parts that survive heat, chemicals, and load.
The same class of polymer used in aerospace and industrial hardware — now from a spool.
TPI holds its strength and dimensional stability at temperatures where most engineering thermoplastics have long since softened, resists auto and aircraft fluids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and chlorinated solvents, and is inherently flame retardant with low smoke — no halogenated additives. That combination makes it a go-to for high-heat brackets, ducting, connectors, and fixtures where failure is not an option. Its amorphous structure also gives it excellent dimensional stability across a wide temperature range.
Numbers that put it above PEI, PC, and nylon.
All figures below are from 3DXTech’s published ThermaX TPI property chart — see the specifications section for the full data sheet.
An amorphous polyimide with a glass transition far above PEI, PC, or nylon — it stays rigid where they soften.
Deflection temperature from the published chart — parts hold their shape under load at extreme heat.
Up to 50% higher strength than Ultem 1010 PEI at temperatures above 170°C and up to 230°C.
Tensile strength at break with a 2950 MPa tensile modulus — strong and stiff under sustained load.
Rigid in bending with a 2856 MPa flexural modulus — dimensionally stable, not floppy, when hot.
Inherently flame retardant at 0.75 mm with low smoke — no added halogenated flame retardants.
It needs a genuine ultra-high-temp printer.
These are 3DXTech’s recommended settings, taken from the reel label. TPI prints hot and is best run on an ultra-polymer platform — 3DXTech’s Gearbox HT2 is the ideal machine — with an actively heated chamber and dry filament.
Requires a genuine all-metal ultra-high-temp hotend that can reach and hold the low-440°C range.
A high-temperature heated bed with a suitable adhesive for reliable first-layer grip on a hot part.
An actively heated chamber is strongly recommended for layer bonding and warp-free dimensional stability.
Dry the filament before printing and keep it dry — polyimides pick up moisture that hurts surface and strength.
Precision-wound 1.75 mm filament on a 500 g reel for consistent, repeatable extrusion.
3DXTech’s Gearbox HT2 is purpose-built for TPI and other ultra-polymers; ask us about compatible printers.
Built for the most demanding thermal environments.
Because it is heat-tolerant, chemically resistant, flame retardant, and dimensionally stable, ThermaX TPI lands in end-use parts across the most demanding markets — not just prototypes.
Natural amber polyimide — one purpose-built grade.
ThermaX TPI ships in a single, natural color: the translucent amber that is characteristic of unpigmented Extem™ polyimide. There are no dyed color options — this is a high-performance engineering material, not an aesthetic filament, and the natural resin keeps its full thermal and mechanical properties. It is precision-wound in 1.75 mm on a 500 g reel; add it to your cart above, or ask us about bulk and standing-order quantities.
Thermoplastic polyimide vs. PEI/Ultem vs. PEEK.
Approximate positioning among printable high-performance polymers — confirm exact figures against each technical data sheet.
3DXTech’s published property chart.
The quick-reference numbers, straight from the manufacturer.
3DXTech publishes a property chart for ThermaX TPI covering density, tensile and flexural strength and modulus, glass transition, heat deflection, and flammability. Tap the chart to enlarge it, or see the full specifications section below for the complete data with values.
| ThermaX TPI | PEI / Ultem 1010 | ThermaX PEEK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer class | Amorphous polyimide | Amorphous polyetherimide | Semi-crystalline PAEK |
| Glass transition (Tg) | 247°C | ~217°C | ~143°C |
| Heat deflection (HDT) | 237°C | ~200°C | ~152°C |
| Strength above 170°C | Up to 50% > Ultem 1010 | Baseline | High |
| Flame rating | UL 94 V-0 | UL 94 V-0 | UL 94 V-0 |
| Chamber needed | Heated (recommended) | Heated (recommended) | Heated (required) |
| Approx. price (500 g) | ~$195 | ~$200+ | ~$385 |
| Best for | Max heat + strength above 170°C, lower cost than PEEK | FST-rated parts, established PEI grade | Continuous ~250°C + chemistry + strength |
Qualitative comparison among printable high-performance polymers; confirm exact properties against each TDS. Prices vary by reel size, retailer, and date.
3DXTech ThermaX TPI Technical Data
Check the reel fits your printer.
Standard spool dimensions — confirm it fits your AMS or dry box.
3DXTech ships ThermaX TPI on consistent, standard reels.
Before you buy, check the outer diameter, width, and center bore against your printer’s spool holder, automated material system, or drybox. Open the full 3DXTech reel infographic for the exact dimensions of the 500 g spool.
View reel dimensions →RESOURCES
Datasheet & Print Support
Everything you need to qualify and print ThermaX TPI.
WHY REV1 TECH
Authorized 3DXTech Reseller. Ultra-Polymer Specialists.
Rev1 Technologies is an authorized 3DXTech reseller in Auburn Hills, MI, supplying genuine USA-made engineering filament with real print support.
We help you pick the right high-performance polymer, dial in the ultra-high-temp profile, and keep production running.
FAQ
3DXTech ThermaX TPI — Common Questions
What printer do I need for ThermaX TPI?
A genuine ultra-high-temp printer: an all-metal hotend that can hold 420–445°C, a 180–220°C heated bed, and ideally an actively heated chamber for warp-free, well-bonded parts. 3DXTech’s Gearbox HT2 is the ideal platform — ask us which printers we sell and support handle TPI.
How is TPI different from Ultem / PEI?
Both are amorphous polyimides with excellent high-heat resistance, strength, and chemical resistance. ThermaX TPI is best thought of as a higher-heat version of Ultem 1010 PEI: it has a higher glass transition (247°C) and delivers up to 50% higher strength than Ultem 1010 at temperatures above 170°C, up to 230°C.
How does it compare to PEEK or PEKK?
PEEK and PEKK are semi-crystalline PAEK polymers with very high continuous-use temperatures, but they cost more. TPI is a strong, lower-cost alternative when you need top thermal performance and strength above 170°C without the ultra-polymer price. We’ll help you choose based on your part and budget.
Do I have to dry it?
Yes. Polyimides absorb moisture from the air, which causes poor surface finish and weak layers. Dry the filament before printing and keep it in a dry box during long prints for the best surface and strength.
Is it flame retardant?
Yes — ThermaX TPI is inherently flame retardant, rated UL 94 V-0 at 0.75 mm with low smoke, and it achieves this without any added halogenated flame retardants. That makes it well suited to aerospace and electrical applications.
What color and size does it come in?
TPI ships in a single Natural color — the translucent amber of unpigmented Extem™ polyimide — in 1.75 mm on a 500 g reel. There are no dyed color options; the natural resin keeps its full thermal and mechanical properties.
Is it made in the USA?
Yes — 3DXTech compounds ThermaX TPI from SABIC Extem™ resin at its 68,000 sq ft, ISO 9001:2015-certified facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with published property data.
Will the 500 g reel fit my automated material system?
Check the outer diameter, width, and center bore of the 500 g spool against your printer’s spool holder, drybox, or automated material system using the reel dimension diagram in the Spool & Reel Specs section above. Remember that TPI still needs an ultra-high-temp hotend and, ideally, a heated chamber — not every AMS-equipped printer can reach TPI’s 420–445°C.
Can Rev1 help me qualify TPI for my application?
Absolutely. Tell us the temperature, chemistry, and loads and our materials team confirms fit, suggests print settings, and can quote bulk or standing-order quantities. Call (248) 707-2950.